Audi R8 gets makeover

The Audi R8 has undergone a styling revamp for 2013 and now includes the new R8 V10 plus in the range. The updated R8 range also benefits from a new 7-speed S Tronic dual clutch transmission alongside the 6-speed manual transmission. The Audi R8 is available in Coupé or Spyder guise with the new R8 V10 plus only available as a coupé.

Audi R8 delivers remarkable performance

Engine Capability

The entry-level 4.2-litre V8 engine offers 316kW at 7 900rpm with a maximum torque figure of 430Nm available between 4 500 and 6 000rpm. As a coupé with S Tronic, the R8 V8 will accelerate to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 300km/h. In manual guise the figures are 4.6 seconds and 302km/h respectively. The R8 V8 Spyder also achieves a top speed of 300km/h with acceleration at 4.5 seconds to 100km/h with S Tronic and 4.8 seconds with the six-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption is in the region of 12.4-litres/100km.

The 5.2-litre V10 engine produces 386kW at 8 000rpm with a maximum torque figure of 530Nm. The Audi R8 V10 Coupé with S Tronic will accelerate to 100km/h in 3.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 314km/h. In manual guise, the R8 V10 Coupé accelerates to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 316km/h. The R8 V10 Spyder with S Tronic completes the 100km/h sprint in 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 311km/h. In manual guise the R8 V10 Spyder achieves 100km/h in 4.1 seconds with a top speed of 313km/h. Fuel consumption is in the region of 13.1-litres/100km for the R8 V10 variant.

The new flagship Audi R8 V10 plus Coupé develops 404kW with a maximum torque figure of 540Nm available at 6 500rpm. With S Tronic, the R8 V10 plus accelerates to 100km/h in 3.5 seconds and achieves a top speed of 317km/h. In manual guise, 0-100km/h is achieved in 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 319km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 12.9-litres/100km.

Styling Upgrades

Styling upgrades include a high-gloss black single-frame grille with horizontal chrome inserts for the V10 variants as well as a new bumper with air inlets bearing three crossbars each. An optional front splitter made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) is available and is fitted as standard on the Audi R8 V10 Plus. LED headlights are now fitted as standard across the R8 range. The rear-end is also defined with the inclusion of LED lights as well as large round tailpipes.

On the inside, adjustable sport seats are optional for the V8 variants and fitted as standard on the V10 models. Depending on the model, the upholstery includes a combination of Alcantara and leather or Fina Nappa. Bucket seats are also available as an option and are fitted as standard on the R8 V10 plus. Interior equipment includes the navigation system plus as well as a Bang & Olufsen Sound System fitted as standard.

The updated Audi R8 range will reach European customers at the end of 2012 and can be expected in South Africa in 2013.